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Jim Crow

or jim crow

noun

a practice or policy of segregating or discriminating against Black people, as in public places, public vehicles, or employment.
Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a Black person.

adjective

favoring or supporting a segregationist or discriminatory policy of Jim Crow.
for Black people only:
a Jim Crow school.

jim crow

/ ˈdʒɪm ˈkrəʊ /

noun

1. the policy or practice of segregating Black people
2. ( as modifier )
  jim-crow laws
1. a derogatory term for a Black person
2. ( as modifier )
  a jim-crow saloon
an implement for bending iron bars or rails
a crowbar fitted with a claw

Jim Crow

A descriptive term for the segregation of institutions, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and the like. It also refers to the laws that required racial segregation.

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Derived Forms

ˈ�ᾱ��-ˈ��Ƿɾ��, noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Jim Crow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; so called from the name of a song sung by Thomas Rice (1808–60) in a minstrel show

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Word History and Origins

Origin of Jim Crow¹

C19: from Jim Crow, name of song used as the basis of an act by Thomas Rice (1808–60), American entertainer

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

“Sinners” features a refreshingly original plot that is part Jim Crow period piece about two brothers who open a juke joint, part vampire thriller.

From

Those billy clubs striking my body strengthened my mind and convinced me that, sooner or later, we could indeed overcome segregation and Jim Crow.

From

In fact, fascists in Europe, as you say, look to the Jim Crow laws of the South and the subjugation of Western Indian nations to inspire them and their race laws.

From

One specific issue raised by the order is the depiction of race, the legacy of slavery and Jim Crow laws, and other historical narratives in the Smithsonian’s collections.

From

Jim Crow and objections to federal overreach, of course, cut that legacy short.

From

��ī��Jim Crowism

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